Three-quarters fewer flying insects in Germany are sounding the ecological alarm

study shows that the number of flying insects in Germany has declined by about three-quarters in the past 27 years, at a "worrying" rate, and is likely to cause major problems for ecosystems and the food chain in the future.
The Associated Press reported Thursday that researchers in 63 observation points in western Germany have long-term funnel-shaped insect traps and found that the number of flying insects decreased by an average of 76 percent between 1989 and 2016;
, lead researcher at Nemegen University in the Netherlands, said:
The discovery is all the more worrying because flying insects are decreasing so rapidly, and in such a large area." Casper
, co-author of the study and a colleague of De Krone's, said, "These areas are protected, mostly managed nature reserves." But (insects) have decreased significantly. From
1970 to 2012, the number of flying insects worldwide is estimated to have decreased by 58%. 'Butterflies and bees are becoming increasingly difficult to see in Europe and North America, ' AFP said.
study did not identify the cause of the decline in flying insects in Germany, but researchers believe pesticides may be to blame because many nature reserves are surrounded by farmland.
fly insects not only help pollinate plants, but are also a food source for other species. De Krone believes that the decline in the number of flying insects will affect the survival of the birds and mammals that feed on it.
recommends reducing pesticide use and keeping protected areas as far away from agricultural areas as possible.
study was published in the American Journal of
on the 18th. (Source: Xinhua News Agency, Chen Dan)